The counting of absentee ballots at Miami-Dade Elections headquarters has wrapped up. “I’m pleased to announce that Miami-Dade County is the first of the large counties to complete it’s tabulation process,” announced Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Penelope Townsley.

Historically speaking, a high turnout for absentee ballots has favored the Republican Party. This year, while Republicans are enjoying a lead, Democrats have started to chip away at the absentee ballot numbers and it’s generated a new emphasis on getting the vote out early.